PATEK PHILIPPE « Complicated watches » Split Second Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Moon Phase
When the booklet of your Patek Philippe is bearing « Complicated Watches » as title you know something really special is in between your hands. The reference 5004 is certainly perfectly matching this expectation. Heir of the prestigious Chronograph Perpetual Calendar line of the brand which started with the reference 1518 in the 40s, the 5004 brings complication to the next level due to its split second function. Now whether you need to time several competitors in a race or not is actually irrelevant: this is just super cool!
Common knowledge says Patek Philippe made only 180 of them from 1996 to 2011 and a last farewell batch of 50 in steel. Totalizing 230 timepieces. I rather estimated there are ~800 pieces made of titanium (1), steel (50?), white gold (130), rose gold (170) then platinum (250) and yellow gold (250). This is yet to be confirmed – if ever.
Serial / movement: 87x,xxx/4.04x.xxx (2000).
Dial: MK1 dial and flyback hands (1996-2001). The steel version has a non sigma dial of its own. The later is also used on precious metal versions as replacement dials when needed. Notice that the majority of non standard dials are encased in white gold making this metal all the most desirable.
Case: very likely unpolished case in the pure Patek tradition with its 36.5mm diameter yet carrying a super manly look thanks to its thickness and the large central crown pusher.
Bracelets: featured with its original mat black crocodile leather bracelet.
Papers & box: original guarantee, cover box & box (another flaking one…what a shame Patek used this supplier), moon phase adjustment stylus, booklets and leather portfolio.
A mythical piece
